New Jersey’s proximity to the metropolitan giants of New York City and Philadelphia greatly influences its wealth. A vast majority of the state consists of suburbs of these two cities, an explanation for much of the state’s high incomes. Approximately 76% of New Jersey places have per capita incomes above the national average[citation needed]; however, according to the 2008-2012 American Community Survey, 9.9% (US average 14.9%) of the population lives below the poverty line.[1] Three of the country's wealthiest counties are located in the north and central portion of the state, including Morris County (4th nationally), Somerset County (8th), and Hunterdon County(10th).[7] There are also several seaside resorts along the New Jersey shoreline that are particularly wealthy, such as Mantoloking, Sea Girt, and Spring Lake along the coast close to New York and Sea Isle City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor in the south[citation needed]. Southern New Jersey, is less affluent overall, excluding several Philadelphia suburbs in Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties and the coast. Camden, the poorest city in the state, has a poverty rate of 35.5%. Other poor areas are the cities across the Hudson River from New York City, including Newark, Paterson, and Passaic.

In 2012, 9.1% of New Jersey households have annual incomes of or over $200,000, and 17.5% have incomes of $100,000 or more. By contrast, 5.3% have incomes of less than $10,000, and 24.9% less than $34,999.[1]

This is a list of all incorporated areas and census-designated places in New Jersey ranked by per capita income based on the 2000 United States Census.[10][11] There are many communities not on the list because they are neither incorporated nor a census-designated place. If a place cannot be located, try looking it up under the municipality in which it is located.